- Joined
- Sep 27, 2015
- Messages
- 15
This is a semi-comprehensive review of the AWT (Applied Weapons Technologies) scale set for the Benchmade Griptilian. I understand that AWT has a thread on the forums and that others have presented there testimonies elsewhere. However, I find a few key points being missing from the small selection of YouTube videos. This review should be comprehensive enough to help you decide on whether or not to purchase these bad boys!
Website: http://appliedweaponstech.com/
Prologue
Alright, a quick rundown of the basics. The scales are $75.00 according to AWT's site. Other vendors, such as Amazon, you can expect to pay about $80.00. The reason you would purchase from Amazon is to get colors that are out of stock on AWT's site. AWT offers scales for both the Mini Griptilian and full size models. Likewise, the scales are universal between all renditions of the models. The scales are machined from 6061T6 Aluminum and have a mill-spec type 3 hard anodization. In addition to purchasing the scales of your color choice, you also get to choose a back spacer color from any of the previous scale options. Hardware is included with the scales.
Ergonomics
I'm not an "ergo nazi" as one might say. Some ergonomic issues can be a bother, but my hand is usually tolerant of 99% of handle designs. The AWT scales have a very square profile unlike the stock scales. There are no sharp edges on the scales. All chamfers and edge-breaks have been done, but some might complain there is some discomfort with the squarer edges. Especially if you're used to the stock scales.
I guess i'll include weight here... Weight is a bit heavy for those who are more used to FRN and G10 constructions. In the pocket, its not noticeable. Its growing on me, but the knife does gain some ounces with these scales.
The first thing you will notice when holding a Grip with AWT scales is that it feels as solid as a german tank. The simplistic design fits really well in the hand, and in the case of the full size Griptilian, my hand has plenty of room on the scales (average sized hands). Gimping machined into the top of the scales is a nice feature to accommodate the liner gimping and provides good traction.
Blade Action
If you skipped the previous parts of the review, it is likely that you are more interested in this section. So how is the action? I'm quite strict on my fit and finish as it relates to the functionality. So much in fact, that I went the extra step to polish all contact points and washers of my AWT Grip.
Without side to side blade-play the blade is easily flickable and smooth as butter. The knife will not free-fall after disengaging the axis lock (gravity fall), but will fall with a few shakes. I suspect this is how the knife will be forever. I have done multiple polishings and re-assemblies, the knife simply won't gravity fall. Backing the pivot screw off a hair allows for a minute amount of side to side play and a 100% free action... Just to put it into perspective to those out there who are extra particular about their blade actions!
Secondly, blade centering is near perfect. With a solid lock-up the blade sits centered in the scales.
Anodizing
As stated on their site, the anodizing is Type 3. This is a sulfur based anodizing process that is superior to Type 2 anodizing and others. The coating of Type 3 is about 0.001", so one would think the coating would be pretty wear resistant. However, I've carried my AWT Grip 3 days this week. I found a new scratch on the anodizing each day. Perhaps this is due to the knife hitting my keys in my pocket. The scratches are through to the raw aluminum. Either way, in the short time that i've carried my BM-940 (2 months), I never had any scratches on the scales. It seems to be that Benchmade's anodizing is much thicker and more durable than AWT's.
As for colors, I find the actual colors vary from AWT's representation on their website. I can only speak for the dark bronze and black scales, as well as the blue back spacer color. The black seems like a dark gray and the bronze seems like a very subtle brown. The blue backspacers (same anodizing as the blue scales) are a bit darker than I had hoped. Anyway, be careful as to where you look when selecting colors. AWT has an Instagram page where they repost customer photos, as well as their own photos. Obvious differences in editing will deviate from the true colors of the scales.
I'm pleased with the anodizing overall! Im a sucker for anodized aluminum scales
Assembly
Assembly is easy. The torx screw provided are top notch. They are a flat countersink screw, so they have a deep torx notch making them hard to strip out. I will say that I had some issues with both sets of scales with the fitment of the backspacers. With the first set, I had issues with getting the spacer to seat correctly in the knife. A few readjustments and everything came together. Currently, my black 550BKHG Grip with the black scales doesn't want to get along well with the backspacer. There is a small air gap between the scales and the spacer. I have tried to fix this multiple times with no success. I suspect it is a flatness issue with the backspacer or more likely an issue with the scales being square with the liner assembly. Regardless, I have little to complain about. The gap I speak of is very small and can only be seen by the trained eye.
Finishing Thoughts
If you truly want the ultimate Griptilian, I say go for it! Personally, I hate the stock scales, as most do, and never considered the knife until I found out about this awesome product! For $75.00 you can make one brute of a knife. If you end up purchasing a set, let me know how you feel below. Also, if you're on Instagram, use the hashtag #appliedweaponstech in your caption and AWT will feature your photo on their page.
Keep up the good work, AWT! An awesome product and I think I speak for many others when I say I look forward to further knife products from the company. Best of luck!
Cheers!
Website: http://appliedweaponstech.com/
Prologue
Alright, a quick rundown of the basics. The scales are $75.00 according to AWT's site. Other vendors, such as Amazon, you can expect to pay about $80.00. The reason you would purchase from Amazon is to get colors that are out of stock on AWT's site. AWT offers scales for both the Mini Griptilian and full size models. Likewise, the scales are universal between all renditions of the models. The scales are machined from 6061T6 Aluminum and have a mill-spec type 3 hard anodization. In addition to purchasing the scales of your color choice, you also get to choose a back spacer color from any of the previous scale options. Hardware is included with the scales.
Ergonomics
I'm not an "ergo nazi" as one might say. Some ergonomic issues can be a bother, but my hand is usually tolerant of 99% of handle designs. The AWT scales have a very square profile unlike the stock scales. There are no sharp edges on the scales. All chamfers and edge-breaks have been done, but some might complain there is some discomfort with the squarer edges. Especially if you're used to the stock scales.
I guess i'll include weight here... Weight is a bit heavy for those who are more used to FRN and G10 constructions. In the pocket, its not noticeable. Its growing on me, but the knife does gain some ounces with these scales.
The first thing you will notice when holding a Grip with AWT scales is that it feels as solid as a german tank. The simplistic design fits really well in the hand, and in the case of the full size Griptilian, my hand has plenty of room on the scales (average sized hands). Gimping machined into the top of the scales is a nice feature to accommodate the liner gimping and provides good traction.
Blade Action
If you skipped the previous parts of the review, it is likely that you are more interested in this section. So how is the action? I'm quite strict on my fit and finish as it relates to the functionality. So much in fact, that I went the extra step to polish all contact points and washers of my AWT Grip.
Without side to side blade-play the blade is easily flickable and smooth as butter. The knife will not free-fall after disengaging the axis lock (gravity fall), but will fall with a few shakes. I suspect this is how the knife will be forever. I have done multiple polishings and re-assemblies, the knife simply won't gravity fall. Backing the pivot screw off a hair allows for a minute amount of side to side play and a 100% free action... Just to put it into perspective to those out there who are extra particular about their blade actions!
Secondly, blade centering is near perfect. With a solid lock-up the blade sits centered in the scales.
Anodizing
As stated on their site, the anodizing is Type 3. This is a sulfur based anodizing process that is superior to Type 2 anodizing and others. The coating of Type 3 is about 0.001", so one would think the coating would be pretty wear resistant. However, I've carried my AWT Grip 3 days this week. I found a new scratch on the anodizing each day. Perhaps this is due to the knife hitting my keys in my pocket. The scratches are through to the raw aluminum. Either way, in the short time that i've carried my BM-940 (2 months), I never had any scratches on the scales. It seems to be that Benchmade's anodizing is much thicker and more durable than AWT's.
As for colors, I find the actual colors vary from AWT's representation on their website. I can only speak for the dark bronze and black scales, as well as the blue back spacer color. The black seems like a dark gray and the bronze seems like a very subtle brown. The blue backspacers (same anodizing as the blue scales) are a bit darker than I had hoped. Anyway, be careful as to where you look when selecting colors. AWT has an Instagram page where they repost customer photos, as well as their own photos. Obvious differences in editing will deviate from the true colors of the scales.
I'm pleased with the anodizing overall! Im a sucker for anodized aluminum scales
Assembly
Assembly is easy. The torx screw provided are top notch. They are a flat countersink screw, so they have a deep torx notch making them hard to strip out. I will say that I had some issues with both sets of scales with the fitment of the backspacers. With the first set, I had issues with getting the spacer to seat correctly in the knife. A few readjustments and everything came together. Currently, my black 550BKHG Grip with the black scales doesn't want to get along well with the backspacer. There is a small air gap between the scales and the spacer. I have tried to fix this multiple times with no success. I suspect it is a flatness issue with the backspacer or more likely an issue with the scales being square with the liner assembly. Regardless, I have little to complain about. The gap I speak of is very small and can only be seen by the trained eye.
Finishing Thoughts
If you truly want the ultimate Griptilian, I say go for it! Personally, I hate the stock scales, as most do, and never considered the knife until I found out about this awesome product! For $75.00 you can make one brute of a knife. If you end up purchasing a set, let me know how you feel below. Also, if you're on Instagram, use the hashtag #appliedweaponstech in your caption and AWT will feature your photo on their page.
Keep up the good work, AWT! An awesome product and I think I speak for many others when I say I look forward to further knife products from the company. Best of luck!
Cheers!
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